Past Reflections I and II

Nici Cumpston OAM is of Aboriginal, Afghan, English and Irish descent and spent part of her childhood in Canada. Cumpston graduated and taught at UniSA South Australian School of Art before becoming Artistic Director of Tarnanthi and Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Cumpston’s creative endeavours have resulted in numerous exhibitions both nationally and internationally.  

Past Reflections I and II was acquired from Reflections, which was Cumpston’s first solo exhibition at Tandanya National Aboriginal Institute in 2002. 

"Part of my family live along the Darling River and I have spent several years living in the Riverland of South Australia. During 2001, I was involved in a project, Weaving The Murray, which gave me the opportunity to travel the length of river. I am always keen to go back to the river and these images are a result of my interpretation of the environment. Along our journey I was reminded of the significance that trees have within our cultures, they are a source of life that can provide shelter, warmth, weapons and food. I have learnt that they also convey important messages to people who know what they are looking for. Sitting by the river evokes memories for me, I thoroughly enjoy spending time just sitting and thinking, my intention is to enable you to do the same." – Nici Cumpston, 2002 

In 2020, Queen’s Birthday Honours awarded Cumpston the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for ‘service to the museums and galleries sector, and to Indigenous art.'